Seizing the throne, abolishing the adopted son, the imperial concubine rose to prominence

"I will obey the emperor's decision."

Gu Youning naturally understood the queen's thoughts.

But she would not plead for Concubine Chen. Although Concubine Chen was wronged in today's incident, she had contributed a lot to the rumors in the harem. If she had not made a prompt decision and taken Zheng'er to live in Ci'an Palace, the filial piety alone would have been enough to keep her and her son from getting up.

As for complaining about her grievances, not to mention that this was already part of her plan, even if the emperor was willing to do this for her today, there was no need for her to add unnecessary details.

The sympathy that comes from a man himself is much more effective than that she tries to gain by force.

"Gu Jieyu doesn't understand the affairs of the court. The Queen doesn't need to talk to her about this."

The emperor's stern brows grew colder.

Gu Youning felt very happy when he saw the queen's increasingly forced smile.

Ever since she began to suspect the Queen's intentions, Zheng'er's death in her previous life has been lingering in her mind. Although she has not yet figured out some of the details, given the Queen's current fear of her and the fact that she has attacked her several times, both openly and covertly, it is very likely that she took action in her previous life.

"My decision is made. Cao Zhong, immediately inform the six palaces of my order to deal with Concubine Chen."

He had wronged Ning'er and her son many times, and had broken his promises many times. Now he had to let them continue to stay in Jing'anju and live in fear. The dignity of an emperor and a man made him extremely eager to compensate Gu Youning.

"I know the Empress is kind and cannot bear to blame the six concubines, but every family has its own rules, every country has its own laws. Does the Chen family resent me just because their daughter made a mistake in the harem and was blamed?"

The emperor waved his hand and coldly stopped the queen from continuing to persuade her.

"I was also worried that the Emperor would be too enraged to consider other matters. Concubine Gu and the First Prince were indeed wronged this time. Logically, Concubine Chen should also be punished."

"Then my innocence will be clearly demonstrated."

Finally, things turned out as she had expected, and the queen's expression relaxed.

But the queen's words did not bring the expected comfort.

At that moment, a young eunuch was quietly peeking in from outside the palace gate. Cao Zhong saw him and said to the emperor, "Your Majesty, I think there's news from the Shanggong Bureau. I'll go outside and ask them."

Hearing this, Gu Youning, who had known the emperor's order, remained calm, but the queen's eyes tightened.

Originally, she would not be afraid even if the emperor found out about the Shanggong Bureau. Those who did the work were not her secret agents. Even if they found out, they would only target Cheng'an Palace or other concubines. But today, the emperor's actions were beyond her expectations, which made her have bad thoughts in her heart.

Cao Zhong whispered a few words to the eunuch at the palace gate and then came back with a very ugly look on his face.

"Your Majesty, the lady from the Shanggong Bureau who was delivering clothes to Jing'an Residence yesterday slipped and fell into a deep well and died."

died?

Gu Youning looked surprised. This was different from what she expected.

She had known for a long time that the lady would suffer, but her plan would not cost her life.

She was really surprised when she heard this, and her astonishment was natural. When she came to her senses, she knew that this look must have been seen by the emperor.

So she didn't try to hide her astonishment, but instead looked at the emperor with this astonished expression, even getting up from her chair in panic, pretending to be frightened: "How could this be? That lady was talking to me peacefully yesterday, and she eloquently praised the clothes for being such a good match for Zheng'er. How could this be..."

Of course, Gu Youning did not forget to apply some eye drops to the queen.

Looking at the woman's panic-stricken and frightened look, the emperor clenched his fists, suppressing the urge to hold the woman in his arms and showing pity for her. He glanced coldly at the queen who was still in shock.

"Check it out for me. I don't believe that there are so many coincidences happening in this harem."

The emperor actually threw the teacup in his hand directly to the ground, and the tea splashed everywhere. A few drops fell on the queen's red palace dress with a phoenix-shaped peony pattern.

"Yes!"

Cao Zhong personally took the eunuchs to the Shanggong Bureau.

The queen was unaware of this. At this moment, her heart was in turmoil and she felt a chill on her back.

The emperor was already suspicious of her, and the death of that palace maid was so coincidental that anyone would think there was something fishy going on. Her previous plan to clear herself of suspicion was useless.

How could that palace maid die?

Who did it?

The Queen also didn't believe that there was such a coincidence. She wondered if it was Concubine Zheng who was under house arrest or another concubine.

No, how could they know the problem inside those clothes? She was sure that no one in the palace knew about it. Those who knew the truth back then were dealt with by the empress dowager. Even Sun Angong might not know the truth. She only found out by coincidence.

But she didn't know that she was the only one in this palace by "coincidence", so the queen was almost certain that someone had done something to her clothes and was trying to put the blame on her.

No one else has this idea and ability except Concubine Zheng.

"Your Majesty, my concubine..."

"Your Majesty, please do not worry about this matter anymore. I will personally have someone investigate it thoroughly."

As always, the emperor didn't want to hear the queen's explanation.

But Gu Youning had some idea of ​​what the Queen wanted to say, and these words were nothing but adding insult to injury for the Queen.

Although the emperor was already suspicious enough about the queen, Gu Youning still wanted to add more fuel to the fire.

So, she looked at the emperor with a face full of fear: "Is there something wrong with Zheng'er's clothes? Your Majesty, is someone trying to harm Zheng'er again?"

Gu Youning felt that she should have suddenly realized it by now.

She was not wearing any makeup today, and her haggard face from not sleeping all night was completely exposed. Coupled with her panic-stricken eyes, it was really pitiful to look at her.

"No... don't worry, I'll take care of everything. I won't let the person who did this go free this time."

The emperor paused, a struggle flashing across his face, before he continued speaking.

"With the Emperor on your side, you don't need to be afraid."

Gu Youning's reaction gave the Queen an opportunity to interrupt. Using the excuse of comforting Gu Youning, she continued, "I, too, find this matter very strange. It seems I have indeed failed in my duty. Someone in the harem is indeed plotting mischief. I request a thorough investigation of all palaces."

The emperor's face was gloomy and he remained silent. The empress also put on a solemn expression that was rarely seen before. "I gave the order to buy new clothes for the two princes ten days ago. As long as we thoroughly investigate all the people in the palace who have visited the Shanggong Bureau, this matter will be cleared up."

"Also, the eldest prince was nearly murdered last time, and there are still no clues. I think the two incidents can be investigated together."

Gu Youning sneered inwardly. By mentioning the murder of Zheng'er that night, the Queen wanted to imply that it was done by Concubine Zheng.

But she was afraid she would be disappointed this time. Firstly, the entire Cheng'an Palace had been very peaceful since that night. Secondly, in the emperor's eyes, the problem with the clothes was not caused by someone else's harm.

Therefore, if the queen said this, the emperor would become more suspicious.

As long as Cao Zhong returns, the crime can be put on the queen.